NL2002803C2 - FILTER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A FILTER. - Google Patents

Description

P87593NL00

Title: Filter and method for manufacturing a filter

The invention relates to a filter for being topped with hot water for preparing an amount of hot beverage such as coffee.

Such filters are known, for example, for brewing coffee using a coffee maker. The machine generates hot water droplets that fall into the filter so that an extraction with ground coffee is obtained.

Filters are also known, for example from International Patent Publication WO 2007/025541, wherein a jet of hot water can be poured into the filter. The filter comprises ground coffee for extraction in the water. Coffee can thus be obtained without using a coffee maker, which can be attractive from a practical point of view.

However, it appears that the quality of the coffee obtained by making coffee manually with the latter category of filters can be poor.

It is an object of the invention to provide a filter of the type mentioned in the preamble, in which coffee can be brewed manually without compromising on the quality that a coffee maker can deliver. To that end, the filter 20 according to the invention comprises a drop-forming layer for, in unfolded position, reception and passage in droplet of the poured hot water, and a first amount of extractable substance for extraction in the drops let through.

The use of the drop-forming layer elegantly simulates the operation of a coffee maker. After all, the hot water is now applied dropwise to the first amount of extractable substance, so that the dissolving process proceeds more gradually and therefore more favorably in a taste perspective. This considerably increases the quality of the obtained beverage. Consequently, the preparation of a hot beverage manually at any location can be carried out without compromising on the quality compared to beverage obtained through a vending machine. Because the first amount of extractable substance is substantially free relative to the drop-forming layer, it is prevented that instead of the intended droplets a continuous leakage current is formed from the drop-forming layer to the substance.

The drop-forming layer preferably comprises an additional, second amount of extractable substance, so that a good drop formation can be achieved. Furthermore, a first mixing with extractive substance thus already takes place, which can improve the taste of the drink. Due to the delay effect thus obtained in the entire extraction process, an improved taste experience of the beverage can be obtained. Moreover, by extracting separate extractable substances, in two separate steps, the variation in end quality of the drink can be reduced.

In addition, the composition of both extractable substances can be selected differently, such that a desired aroma is achieved. Because the extraction of substances takes place in two steps, a smaller total amount of extractable substance will suffice in comparison with the situation in which the solution takes place in one step. It is also possible to choose not to reduce the total amount of extractable substance. The final taste impression can then increase even further.

In principle, however, it is also possible to design the drop-forming layer without an additional amount of extractable substance. The drop-forming layer can for instance be provided with a specific filter material 30 which can pass an amount of hot water dosed, in droplet form.

3

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown in the subclaims.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a filter.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. In the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a first schematic view of a first embodiment of a filter according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a second schematic view of the filter of Figs. 1;

Figure 3 shows a third schematic view of the filter of Figs. 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a roll of filter material;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a heat welding operation;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a die-cutting operation; Figure 7 is a schematic view of a folding operation;

Figure 8 is a fourth schematic view of the filter of Figs. 1;

Figure 9 is a schematic top view of a die-cut filter form;

Figure 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a filter according to the invention;

Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method according to the invention.

The figures are merely schematic representations of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the figures, identical or corresponding parts are indicated with the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows a first schematic view of a filter 1 according to the invention. The filter 1 can be used to make a quantity of hot drink, such as coffee. The filter 1 is shown in an unfolded position and comprises a drop-forming layer 2 and a first amount of extractable substance 3. During use of the 4 filter, hot water 4, for example heated in a kettle 5, is poured inwardly B over the drop-forming layer 2 . Upon receipt, the drop-forming layer 2 passes the hot water in droplet form under the influence of gravity.

Figure 2 shows a second schematic view of the filter 1, in which the transmitted drops 6 are clearly visible. The drops 6 leave the drop-forming layer 2 sideways Z1, Z2 and downward B and fall down into the first amount of extractable substance 3 which lies below the drop-forming layer 2 and substantially free thereof.

Figure 3 shows a third schematic view of the filter 1, in which the mixing of the drops 6 and the first extractable substance 3 is illustrated. As a result of the mixing process, a hot drink is produced which again leaves the filter 1 on the underside 8 downward D in the form of a drop 7.

The filter 1 can be placed above or in a beverage container (not shown), so that the hot beverage, for example coffee, can be easily prepared by pouring hot water over the filter. Thus, the beverage can be easily prepared without additional equipment.

As in FIG. 1-3, the filter 1 comprises filter material 9 which carries the first extractable substance 3 and allows the obtained beverage solution to pass. In principle, the filter can also be designed without such filter material. For example, the filter may comprise other non-moisture-permeable material for carrying the extractable substance. The drink can then, for example, be consumed by pouring it from the filter, preferably via a screen.

As also shown, the filter 1 is provided on the underside 8 with a first filter compartment 10 in which the first extractable substance 3 is located. The first compartment 10 is substantially closed to said first substance 3, but permeable to the 5 drops 6 from the drop-forming layer 2. This reduces the risk that the first extractable substance 3 remains in the prepared beverage 7. Moreover, this prevents the substance leaves the filter before the beverage can be prepared, for example when the filter is transported in the folded state. In an alternative embodiment, the substance is not located in the first closed compartment 10, but loosely at the bottom of the chamber formed by the filter material.

The drop-forming layer 2 comprises an additional, second amount of extractable substance 11 which is enclosed in a second compartment 12. By using the second amount of extractable substance 11, a good drop formation of the superimposed hot water 4 can be achieved. The taste experience can therefore increase considerably. Preferably, the ratio of the first and second amount of extractable substance is about 5: 2. Thus, the first, lower amount of substance can have a greater weight than the upper, second amount of substance. However, it is also possible to use other ratios, partly depending on the desired aroma in the beverage to be obtained.

The extractable substances contain, for example, ground coffee or coffee in powder form, optionally provided with additives such as soluble milk powder and / or cocoa. The hot drink to be prepared can thus be given a specific taste and / or odor. The composition of the extractable substances in both compartments may also differ. For example, only the lower compartment 10 can be provided with additive flavors for obtaining a desired aroma. Different types of coffee can of course also be used. In addition, the strength of the extractable substances can be set optionally. Thus, not only a coffee taste, but also the taste sensation of, for example, espresso can be obtained.

6

The shown embodiment of the filter 1 further comprises an additional, third amount of extractable substance 13 which, during use, is separately located below the first amount of extractable substance 3. This third amount of extractable substance 13 is located in a third filter compartment 14 and contains, for example, additional flavorings such as soluble milk powder, sugar and / or cocoa. By placing extractable substances in compartments that are substantially closed to the non-extracted substances, undesired mixing beforehand or loss can be prevented. Between the compartments 10,14 of 10 the first and third amount of extractable substance 3; 13, a moisture-permeable material, such as a permeable paper material or a film provided with perforations, is provided so that after the extraction process with the first amount of extractable substance 3, the hot water flows further down D and ends up in the third amount of extractable substance 13. The filter can of course also be designed without the third amount of extractable substance 13.

The filter 1 comprises, in the unfolded position, a truncated conical wall which, together with the bottom 8, forms a funnel-shaped whole 20 of filter material 9. The filter further comprises a second truncated conical wall 15 which is arranged at the top of the funnel-shaped whole 9 and forms at least partly part of the drop-forming layer 2. In the folded position, the filter 1 is practically flat, so that a plurality of such filters can easily be compact are stored and transported. The truncated cone-shaped walls 9, 15 can be made of the same material and optionally even from one part, as explained below. It is also possible to manufacture the conical walls, possibly of different materials, separately and then to assemble them. For example, filter material with a different filter porosity can be used, for example the outer 7 funnel-shaped wall 9 with a first filter porosity and the inner funnel-shaped wall 15 with a second filter porosity.

The outer peripheral shape of the filter material 9 has a substantially tapered shape, from the drop-forming layer 2 to the first amount of extractable substance 3 located below it during use. As a result, the filter 1 can easily be inserted into a holder, for example a cup, for the hot drink to be prepared, so that unwanted loss of the drink is prevented.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method for manufacturing a filter to be topped with hot water for preparing an amount of hot beverage such as coffee. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a roll of filter material. The method comprises the step of providing a strip 21 of filter material by partial unwinding of the roll 20.

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the strip 21 in which two opposite edges 22, 23 of the filter material located in the longitudinal direction L of the strip 21 are connected to each other, so that a whole closed in peripheral direction R, also called socket 25, is received. As shown, the connection is realized with the aid of heat welding equipment 24, so that a high-quality connection is achieved in an inexpensive manner. The strip 21 is passed in the longitudinal direction L. Of course, other joining techniques are also possible, for example with the use of an adhesive. A filter is thus obtained in which the filter material is manufactured from one part.

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the sock 25, wherein punching is performed on the sock with the aid of punching equipment 26. A filter form 27 is punched out here. The method then comprises the step of folding inwardly a first part 28 of the filter form 27 to form an inner chamber 30 which is substantially free in an outer chamber 31 formed by a second part 28 of the filter form 27.

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the form 27 where the folding operation is performed. The first, upper portion 28 is folded downwardly VI, until the inner chamber 30 is formed. A handle 32 is also folded for easier handling of the filter 1. Figure 8 shows a schematic view in which the filter form 27 is folded into a filter 1. Before performing the folding operation, external edges of the filter form, in particular along 10 side edges, are of the filter to be formed, attached to each other, preferably with the aid of a heat seal.

After the folding operation, the outer chamber can be at least partially filled with a first amount of extractable substance. A first filter compartment can also be formed which encloses the first amount of extractable substance in a sealed manner. The first filter compartment can for instance be closed with a gluing process. Similarly, a second amount of extractable substance can be applied to the inner chamber 30, optionally closed by a second filter compartment located above the aforementioned filter compartment.

Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of a die-cut filter form 27. Bold edges 33a-d of the form 27 are connected by means of a sealing process. Solid lines indicate a die segment 34a-c. Furthermore, the interrupted line segments 35a-c indicate folding lines. The dimensions of the unfolded filter form are, for example, approximately 13 cm by approximately 10 cm. However, other handy dimensions are of course also possible.

It is noted that different joining techniques can be applied, individually or in combination, for example for joining edges of the filter material. For example, a sealing process, in which heat is applied, a printing process and / or a gluing process can be used.

Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a filter 1 according to the invention. The filter is provided with a holder 80 for supporting the filter material 9. The holder comprises form-retaining material, such as cardboard or a plastic, so that the filter can autonomously be in a stable, standing position. The container extends around the filter material 9 in the circumferential direction, so that the material is surrounded by a ring. In another embodiment 10 according to the invention, the holder 80 surrounds the filter material along a part of the circumferential direction. The filter can be placed over a holder for the hot beverage, wherein the walls of, for example, a cup are received by the space between the holder 80 and the outer peripheral shape 9 of the filter 1. This further increases the stability of the filter 1. increases.

The holder 80 preferably has a conical shape, such that, in the unfolded position, the holder is tapered upwards, so that the holder can be placed even more easily over a cup.

Furthermore, the holder 80 is provided with an optional handle 81 in order to make the filter easier to handle. The container 80 may also contain decorative / decorative material, such as a print, for example to indicate the filter and / or ingredients of the extractable substance, and / or a striking optical appearance, for example a specific color layer.

Figure 11 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention. According to aspects of the invention, the method of manufacturing a filter to be topped with hot water for preparing a quantity of hot beverage such as coffee, the steps of providing (100) a strip of filter material, connecting (110) 30 of two opposite edges of the filter material located in the longitudinal direction of the strip, punching (120) a filter form from the filter material, and folding inwardly (130) a first part of the filter form to form a inner chamber which is substantially free in an outer chamber formed by a second part of the filter form.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described here. Many variants are possible.

For instance, instead of ground coffee, one or more other ingredients can be used, for instance tea leaves, preferably in ground form, for making tea.

Such variants will be clear to those skilled in the art and are understood to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

A filter to be over hot water gutters for preparing an amount of hot beverage such as coffee, comprising a drop-forming layer for, in unfolded position, droplet-shaped reception and passage of the hot water, and a drop of hot water during use. drop-forming layer and first free extract of substance extractable therefrom for extraction in the transmitted drops. 2. Filter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising filter material for carrying the first amount of extractable substance and for allowing the extraction to pass. A filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first amount of extractable substance is in a first filter compartment that is substantially closed to the substance. 4. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drop-forming layer comprises a second amount of extractable substance. 5. A filter according to claim 4, wherein the second amount of substance is located in a second filter compartment located above the first filter compartment and which is substantially closed to said second amount of substance. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the first and second amount of extractable substance is approximately 5: 2. 7. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer circumferential shape of the filter material tapers substantially from the drop-forming layer to the first amount of extractable substance located below it during use. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third amount of extractable substance which, during use, is separately below the first amount of extractable substance. 9. A filter according to claim 8, wherein the third amount of substance is located in a third filter compartment located below the first filter compartment and which is substantially closed to said third amount of substance. 10. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third amount of extractable substance is accessible for the extraction via a material that is easily permeable to moisture. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter material is made of one part. 12. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a holder which surrounds the filter material for support in circumferential direction. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder, in the unfolded position, tapers substantially upwards. 14. Method for manufacturing a filter to be topped with hot water for preparing an amount of hot beverage such as coffee, comprising the steps of: - providing a strip of filter material; - connecting two opposite edges of the filter material located in the longitudinal direction of the strip; - punching a filter form from the filter material; and 25. folding a first part of the filter form inwardly to form an inner chamber substantially free in an outer chamber formed by a second part of the filter form. 15. Method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the outer chamber is at least partially filled with a first amount of extractable substance. The method of claims 14 and 15, further comprising forming a first filter compartment that encloses the first amount of extractable substance and is substantially closed to the substance. A method according to any of claims 14-16, wherein the inner chamber is at least partially filled with a second amount of extractable substance. 18. Method as claimed in any of the claims 14-17, further comprising the step of providing a holder which surrounds the filter material for support in circumferential direction. A method according to any one of claims 14-18, wherein connecting the edges of the filter material is realized with the aid of a heat seal. 20. Method as claimed in any of the claims 14-19, wherein edges of the filter form are attached to each other with the aid of a heat seal.